Day 1 Photo Essay

Craig Gibson and Josh BennettFriday, September 02, 2011

Welcome to Philadelphia, host of this year's third Pro Tour! The fusion of old and new architecture suggests Planar Chaos, or perhaps an episode of Fringe.

Inside the action is furious and it's a Who's Who of talent. Fans of Where's Waldo can try to find a Hall of Famer and two players talked up as future Hall of Famers.

Dave Williams poses with Hall of Fame contender Patrick Chapin and a sideboard.

The one and only Meddling Mage, Chris Pikula, who has pledged any winnings from this weekend to the new Finkel-fronted scholarship charity, Gamers Helping Gamers.

Newly elected Hall of Famer Steven O'Mahoney-Schwartz, one of the original greats of Magic.

For some reason, Martin Juza can't help but be adorable.

A true master, Yuuya Watanabe is riding the momentum of his win at Grand Prix Pittsburgh last weekend.

Jon Finkel runs the calculations.

Behind the scenes, it's the people wearing these who make the tournament happen. Well, they aren't all like this one. This one has Lego.

Your diligent Judges, keeping the Pro Tour fair... and awesome!

Even further behind the scenes, coverage staff labors to bring you all the action. Here, coverage manager Greg Collins mentors Blake Rasmussen and Steve Sadin on the fine art of feature match selection.